reaction time

• What is the method for measuring reaction time in the practical?

  • Two people work together
  • Person 1 sits upright with their dominant arm overhanging a table
  • Person 2 holds a ruler vertically between Person 1's fingers
  • Person 2 drops the ruler randomly
  • Person 1 catches the ruler as quickly as possible
  • Measurement is recorded at the top of Person 1's thumb
  • The test is repeated several times to calculate a mean
• What position should Person 1 be in during the reaction time test?

  Person 1 should sit on a stool with good upright posture
• How is the ruler positioned before it is dropped?

  The zero centimeter mark should be between Person 1's thumb and first finger
• What should Person 1 do when the ruler is dropped?

  Catch the ruler with their thumb and first finger as quickly as possible
• What is recorded after Person 1 catches the ruler?

  The measurement on the ruler at the level of Person 1's thumb
• What are the control variables in the reaction time experiment?

  • Distance between thumb and first finger should be constant
  • Always measure the ruler at the top of the thumb
  • Keep room conditions the same (lighting, background noise)
• What is the independent variable in the reaction time experiment?

  The person having their reaction time tested
• What is the dependent variable in the reaction time experiment?

  The reaction time measured for each change in the independent variable
• What are some other independent variables that could be investigated in the reaction time experiment?

  • Effect of practice on reaction time
  • Reaction time with dominant vs. non-dominant hand
  • Effect of chemicals like caffeine on reaction time
• How could practice affect reaction time in the experiment?

  Reaction time might become shorter with more practice
• How can the effect of caffeine on reaction time be tested?

  By having the subject drink a measured amount of cola before the experiment
• What precaution should be taken when testing subjects with caffeine?

  Check that they have no medical issues affected by caffeine
• Where should the reaction time test be conducted?

  In a lab where hazardous chemicals are not normally used
• What should be done after the first person completes their reaction time test?

  • The two people switch places
  • Person 1 tests the reaction time of Person 2
  • This allows comparison of reaction times between the two individuals